- Most Popular
- Big Island
Total duration: 45 minutes
Time with dolphins: 30 minutes
Ages: 5 and up (kids under 10 with adult)
Group size: 6 people max
Water depth: Swimming & Shallows
Dolphin Quest Hawaii opened in 1988 and was the first of its kind to provide a natural sandy beached tidal lagoon filled with filtered sea water for our resident bottlenose dolphins. Dolphin Quest Hawaii is known for its educational programs, support of scientific studies, and hands-on conservation advocacy. These important community endeavors are supported through the participation of guests in our purposeful dolphin interactive experiences in a safe and comfortable environment for all.
Dolphin Quest Hawaii provides a variety of dolphin encounters which allow guests the opportunity to meet, touch, and play with dolphins in a safe and comfortable environment for both guests and dolphins. Our tidal, natural ocean lagoon setting enables diverse interactive experiences with dolphins from the sandy shallows to the deeper water swimming areas. Each encounter is unique based upon the guests, marine mammal specialists, and dolphins, with a variety of opportunities to select from based upon age, dolphin time, and whether you prefer to join a small, shared group, or book an exclusive experience.
Total duration: 45 minutes
Time with dolphins: 30 minutes
Ages: 5 and up (kids under 10 with adult)
Group size: 6 people max
Water depth: Swimming & Shallows
Total duration: 45 minutes
Time with dolphins: 30 minutes
Ages: 2 and up (kids under 10 with adult)
Group size: 6 people (up to 7 people for an additional fee)
Water depth: Swimming & Shallows
Total duration: 30 minutes
Time with dolphins: 20 minutes
Ages: 5-9
Group size: 6 people max
Water depth: Shallows
Total duration: 15 minutes
Time with dolphins: 10 minutes
Ages: 2-4 (with adult)
Group size: 6 people max
Water depth: Beachside & Shallows
Total duration: 4.25 hours
Time with dolphins: 60 minutes
Ages: 10 and up
Group size: 2 people max
Water depth: Swimming, Shallows, & Dockside
Dolphin Quest’s commitment to supporting and educating the local community on Hawaii’s Big Island is crucial in fostering awareness about marine conservation and preserving the island’s ecosystem. By engaging and educating locals, Dolphin Quest contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, empowering the community to actively participate in preserving the ocean’s biodiversity.
We highly recommend staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village where Dolphin Quest Hawaii is located so you can enjoy viewing the dolphins at any time.
The Hilton Waikoloa Village is 62 acres of Hawaiian paradise located on the sunny, scenic Kohala Coast. This oceanfront resort includes multiple restaurants, pools and waterslides, canal boats and trams to escort you through the property, Legends of Hawaii luau, world-class Kohala Spa, and beautiful unobstructed views of the ocean and sunsets.
Dolphin Quest Hawaii is located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, about 30 miles north of Kailua-Kona.
We are open from 8:30am-4:30pm HST every day.
You do not have to pay for self-parking if you have a Dolphin Quest reservation.
No. Dolphin Quest Hawaii is a separate company from the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
No. Anyone visiting Hawaii, including local residents, can experience a Dolphin Quest program.
Yes. All guests are welcome to watch our dolphin encounters and view the dolphins throughout the day from our lanai, grassy hillside, or any areas around the dolphin lagoon.
The pools at the Hilton Waikoloa Village are reserved for hotel guests and pool day pass holders only.
Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
There are a variety of ways to make a reservation with Dolphin Quest while at the Hilton.
Our programs fill up quickly during the busy summer and holiday seasons.
Our goal is to make all encounters safe and exciting for the dolphins and guests, so we have some basic requirements for all participants:
Our goal is to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable for both you and the dolphin.
All program fees are charged in full to the credit card used when making a reservation.
Guests who do not show up on time or are a “no show” to check in for their reserved program will be charged full price.
Reservations for parties up to, and including, 6 participants:
Reservations for 7 or more participants:
To cancel or change a reservation:
Check-in time for all programs is 30 minutes prior to the scheduled program start time.
Yes, changing areas and lockers are available for use.
No. Dolphin Quest does not provide towels, so we ask our guests to bring their own.
Towels are also available for purchase in our retail area.
Yes. Please contact Dolphin Quest Hawaii directly at the Dolphin Quest check-in desk at Dolphin Quest Village or call or text us at (808) 746-7065.
Personal cameras and GoPros are not permitted in our program areas.
Your program photos are available for pre-order or as a post-program purchase.
No, Dolphin Quest Hawaii does not offer videos of your programs.
Non-participating guests and family members are welcome to film you during your program from the spectator side of the ropes and railings.
Yes, Dolphin Quest Hawaii has a gift shop located within Dolphin Quest Village.
Yes, Dolphin Quest Hawaii will sometimes offer free dolphin demonstrations throughout the year for
special events and holidays.
Dolphin Quest has three beautiful locations worldwide on the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, and Bermuda.
To learn more about each location, please click on the following location links: Big Island – Hawaii, Oahu – Hawaii, Bermuda
These videos will show you how to get to Dolphin Quest Hawaii once you arrive in the lobby of the Hilton Waikoloa Village.